Wintzell's News & Events

From basketball to bits of wit and wisdom, we’re wild about March Madness! Wintzell’s popularity hails in part from its founder’s homespun sayings—thousands of quips and questions that color the walls of all Wintzell’s restaurants. These widely read witticisms are going head-to-head in a multi-round challenge that’ll be settled by our fans. Vote now and help decide the best, most clever saying you’ll find on Wintzell’s walls!

Our partnership with the Gulf Coast Seafood Marketing Coalition is in full swing, and we are pleased to offer fresh Gulf Coast finfish as our catch of the day. Prepared grilled, blackened, fried or broiled, this entrée is flavorful and direct from the dock. With our commitment to the Gulf Coast Seafood Traceability Standard, our guests can now scan a QR code right from their seat such that they can trace the route their seafood took from sea to table.

The nutrient-rich Gulf Coast waters provide an ideal environment for finfish to thrive. Gulf Coast finfish offer many health benefits, as they are generally low in saturated fat, high in protein and high in healthy omega-3 fats and minerals. The FDA recommends people eat up to 12 ounces (about two meals) of fish per week.

Wintzell’s Oyster House was recently the subject of a feature written by Ron Ruggles of Nation’s Restaurant News, the leading publication within the foodservice industry. During a visit to Mobile in August, Ruggles dined at the original Wintzell’s on Dauphin Street. His article, “76-Year-Old Wintzell’s Oyster House Modernizes,” explores the brand’s use of social media as a means of remaining on trend in a digital world. “Part of staying youthful,” Ruggles writes, “has been Wintzell’s embrace of social media.” With a Facebook page for each Wintzell’s location as well as a Twitter page and Instagram page, Wintzell’s has developed an extensive following across all platforms. Ruggles’s article includes a photograph of Wintzell’s server Monique Scott, more commonly known as “Miss Pinky,” who has been with Wintzell’s for over ten years. Scott, a well-known fan favorite, recently received the “Oliver’s Wit & Wisdom Award” at the company’s annual holiday party and awards presentation.

Wintzell’s communications manager Clay Omainsky says the article was an exciting way to round out the year. “I woke up that morning with a Google Alert in my inbox and couldn’t believe it. We are humbled by any media coverage, but because Nation’s Restaurant News usually only covers the big players in the industry, it was a huge opportunity for us.”

In line with the article’s focus, news of its publication was shared via social media, reaching nearly 15,000 fans on Facebook. The December 12th post reads accordingly: “From a six-stool oyster bar in 1938 to a feature in Nation’s Restaurant News today, one thing will never change: heartened every day by your support, we absolutely love what we do!”

GREENVILLE, Ala., December 22, 2014 – Wintzell’s Inc. today announced the opening of its newest restaurant in Greenville, Alabama. The new Wintzell’s Oyster House is located at 128 Interstate Drive, the former site of the Timberland Log Homes building, across from the Interstate Plaza shopping center.

The project first took shape in December 2011, when Wintzell’s CEO Bob Donlon announced plans to open a Wintzell’s location in Greenville. After the widening of Interstate Drive to accommodate for additional parking and building space, the Greenville Downtown Redevelopment Authority contracted Rogers & Willard of Mobile, who in July began construction on the approximately 5,500 square-foot building.

Wintzell’s owners Bob and Buffy Donlon hosted an opening celebration on Tuesday, December 16th which benefitted Safe Harbor, a child advocacy center serving Butler, Crenshaw and Lowndes counties. The restaurant intends to be involved with community projects and events, according to the Donlons.

“We are very excited to open in Greenville and be a part of this community,” says Bob Donlon. “Since we began this venture three years ago, we have enjoyed spending time here, and it’s clear that Greenville is eager to share in our 76-year-old tradition of outstanding food and hospitality.”

Those anticipating the Wintzell’s opening have found company on social media channels—Facebook in particular—where fans have been active and supportive, according to Wintzell’s communications manager Clay Omainsky. Since the Greenville-specific Facebook page was created in January 2014, it has accrued more than 1,400 followers. “The page’s fans have been asking about the opening for months,” says Omainsky. “Construction often bears an uncertain timeline, but that response loses application when people are really, really excited about something.”

The opening date was announced in a December 4th Facebook post, seen by nearly 10,000 users, liked by over 200 and shared 62 times. “We wanted firstly to acknowledge the fans’ patience and also to thank them for it,” explains Omainsky. “The response was overwhelming. Engaging with this terrific group of fans tenders a highly encouraging outlook for this restaurant.” Omainsky added that the company would continue to utilize Facebook for announcements, contests and promotions.

The new restaurant seats approximately 150 guests, includes a private banquet room and features the thousands of homespun sayings that cover the walls of all Wintzell’s restaurants. While oysters headline the iconic Mobile-based brand, Wintzell’s menu comprises signature seafood dishes like bacon wrapped shrimp and redfish bienville; regional favorites, including award-winning seafood gumbo and homemade bread pudding; USDA-choice cut steaks; and two specialties native to Mobile: West Indies salad and fried crab claws. Greenville’s Wintzell’s will offer $7.99 lunch specials Monday through Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as well as happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. General hours of operation are from 11:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

The restaurant employs nearly 100 individuals, and while it is presently fully staffed, prospective job seekers can submit an application at any time by visiting the restaurant’s Careers page.

Founded in 1938 as a six-stool oyster bar, Wintzell’s delivers an atmosphere that is lively, casual, and unmistakably southern. The Greenville restaurant joins ten other Wintzell’s locations, with nine in Alabama and one in Pleasant Hills, Pennsylvania. The company is currently pursuing options to develop units in the Birmingham area, according to Donlon.

Among many things, we look forward to the Nappies every July, when the readers of Lagniappe choose their Mobile-area favorites. What began as a biweekly publication in July 2002, the Lagniappe has become Mobile’s independent weekly newspaper, served to more than 80,000 readers every week. The Lagniappe is locally owned and focuses on highly localized content for the citizens of Mobile and neighboring communities including Daphne, Fairhope and Gulf Shores.

Each summer the Lagniappe invites citizens to cast votes within categories that include Style, Services, Music, Arts, Media, and our personal favorite: Cuisine. With thousands of votes counted, Wintzell’s is thrilled to have won the 2014 Nappie for Best Gumbo. “This is a tough category,” writes Lagniappe cuisine editor Andy MacDonald. “Everyone thinks their gumbo is the best.”

MacDonald’s July 24th column “The Dish” gives special recognition to Wintzell’s: “Congratulations, Wintzell’s. You’ve honed it for many years.” Thanks, Andy, and kudos to the entire Lagniappe staff for keeping things funky, year after year!

And a very special thanks to our fans who voted and made this possible. We couldn’t have done it without you!

How many jumbo fried shrimp can you eat in five minutes? Six competitors asked that of themselves as they geared up for what we hope will be an annual event: The Be Good for Something Shrimp Eating Competition. The event, hosted by the Downtown location on Saturday, July 26, drew dozens of spectators and supporters.

“Be Good for Something” plays off the name of our partner sponsor, Good People Brewing Company, the oldest brewery in Alabama. Founded in 2008, the Birmingham-based brewery offers five year-round brews and four seasonals. Wintzell’s paired with Good People to raise funds for the Mobile Law Enforcement Agency, which supports the police department as a dire need fund.

The fundraiser consisted of three parts. Beginning July 1st, fans were encouraged through social media to donate to their favored team. Throughout the month of July, Wintzell’s raised $700, beating out Good People. Then, on the 26th, Wintzell’s three-person team went head-to-head against Good People’s in a shrimp-eating showdown. Team Wintzell’s came up short here, eating 92 fried shrimp against Good People’s 108. In accordance with the rules, Wintzell’s made a $250 donation in Good People’s name. And finally, Wintzell’s extended proceeds from guests’ purchases that included either fried shrimp or Good People products.

All in all, Wintzell’s and Good People raised $2500 for Mobile’s police department—a triumph for a first-time fundraiser! You can check out Fox10’s coverage of the event by clicking here.

Competitors from Wintzell’s, the Mobile Police Department, and Good People Brewing Company

From March 5th until April 2nd, all Wintzell’s restaurant locations campaigned to raise money for MDA, an organization committed to combating muscular dystrophy. Muscular dystrophy occurs when a group of genetic muscle diseases are characterized by the degeneration of voluntary muscles.

In its efforts, MDA offers clinics, summer camp, online and local support, equipment help, and advocacy through the agency’s 120 offices in the United States and Puerto Rico. Fundraiser dollars can provide flu shots, support group sessions, and different types of therapy to young people with muscular muscular dystrophy.

Wintzell’s set a company-wide goal of raising a $5,000 total donation to be presented to MDA at the end of fundraising. Each different restaurant “sponsored” a child in order to send them to Camp ASCCA, a camp dedicated to children and adults with physical and intellectual disabilities.

Throughout fundraising, all restaurants sold one and five dollar shamrocks to guests and fellow employees. In order to increase donations, a few locations went above and beyond the call of duty. Wintzell’s West Mobile hosted an on-site car wash that helped them rise above the competition and raise the most money out of all of our stores. Taking the second place position, our Fairhope location took advantage of the restaurant’s 10th anniversary party to boost donation numbers. (both events pictured below)

Not only did Wintzell’s reach our goal of raising $5,000, but we soared past it! On Friday, May 2, 2014 a check totaling $5,398.30 was presented by the winning West Mobile team to MDA. (pictured below)

Everyone at Wintzell’s cannot wait for another opportunity to raise money for such worthy cause!

On Thursday, April 25, 2014 it was all hands on deck, as the dining room of our Orange Beach location was transformed from a chow hall into a temporary photography studio.

Wintzell’s is honored to be chosen by the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau to be featured in advertisements for the area. The ad campaign will feature restaurants, hotels and attractions throughout Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and will showcase a few of each location’s signature item.

What were the items we selected to feature for the campaign? Oysters of course! For nearly three hours, renowned photographer Courtland Richards captured abundant photos of our oyster sampler and raw oysters. Wintzell’s will be able to choose shots from the photo shoot to use in our own marketing and advertisement.

Courtland Richards has specialized in photographing food, architecture, and people on the Gulf Coast for over thirty years. His accomplishments include being published regularly in Southern Breeze, Zalea, and Southern Living. Because of the beautiful images Courtland captures and the unmatched professionalism he exudes, everyone at Wintzell’s felt extremely privileged to finally be able to work with him.

Just to give you a “taste” and behind the scenes perspective, these photos were taken by our Wintzell’s team. The pictures Courtland took are in the process of being edited and we look forward to being able to post the professional ones once we have the go ahead from the Convention and Visitors Bureau. This process could take some time, but we know that the photographs will be well worth the wait!

Special thanks to Courtland Richards and the Gulf Shores/Orange Beach Convention and Visitors Bureau!

Mobile, Ala. (April 9, 2014) ̶ Wintzell’s Oyster House is proud to present its 8th annual Wintzell’s Golf Classic, held at Lakewood Golf Club at The Grand Hotel on Friday, June 20, 2014. The event, benefitting Distinguished Young Women, begins at 7:15 a.m. with registration and breakfast in the company of the 50 Distinguished Young Women state finalists. An 8:30 a.m. shotgun start will begin the tournament, followed by an awards lunch at Wintzell’s Oyster House in Fairhope. Prizes will be awarded for longest drive and closest to the hole.

DYW Finalists and the Participants from the 2013 Golf Classic

The Wintzell’s Golf Classic was founded in 2007 by Wintzell’s owners Bob and Buffy Donlon to benefit Distinguished Young Women (formerly known as America’s Junior Miss). Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Mobile, Ala., Distinguished Young Women will award more than $150,000 in cash scholarships to high school women and, last year, the Wintzell’s Golf Classic donated more than $25,000 to the scholarship program.

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The old fashioned way. Known far and wide for its "oysters—fried, stewed or nude," Wintzell's Oyster House was founded in 1938 by Oliver Wintzell, and has continued to serve only the freshest Gulf seafood to the public ever since.